insideKENT Magazine Issue 26 - May 2014 - Page 99

dining out
From fine dining and gastro pub cuisine, to trendy
cafés, Sevenoaks offers a fantastic array of venues
when it comes to eating out. Here are a few of
our favourites.
Sevenoaks Wildlife Reserve – Whether you
consider yourself a wildlife enthusiast or not, a
visit to the town's pioneering wildlife reserve is
not to be missed. With roughly equal proportions
of water and land, it includes five lakes and a
mixed habitat of ponds, seasonal flooded pools,
reed beds and woodlands.
Riverhill Himalayan Gardens – With so much
to see and explore, plan a great family day out
at the imaginative Riverhill Himalayan Gardens
this spring. Learn about the plants brought back
from the Himalayas, build dens together, discover
secret pathways, enjoy incredible views, visit the
Riverhill Café, and perhaps even spot the elusive
Yeti.
The Vine Restaurant – The epitome of fine
dining, The Vine Restaurant offers diners a Frenchinspired, innovative menu, for which owners,
Bernt and Kathleen Bouverie, pride themselves
on using only the highest quality produce, from
the best sustainable sources.
El Matador – A modern and sophisticated
Spanish-Argentinean restaurant and lounge, El
Matador serves up delicious authentic Spanish
tapas and Argentinean steaks in a contemporary
setting.
The Chequers – Boasting a prime location along
Sevenoaks High Street, The Chequers is a 16thcentury inn, renowned for its historic exterior,
warm welcome and selection of ales.
The Bricklayers Arms – From a roaring fire in
the winter to panoramic views over Longford
Lake in the summer, The Bricklayers Arms is a
superb all-year-round venue. Offering homemade
food and local Harveys Beer, this village pub
really is a Kentish gem.
The Stag Community Arts Centre – Originally
the Playhouse Theatre, The Stag provides the
perfect outlet from which to start or finish your
evening festivities. The Art Deco-style 1930's
building seats 450 and boasts critically acclaimed
comedian sets, amongst other performances.
The theatre is also home to two cinemas, both
of which screen the latest film releases.
The Space – A performing arts centre located
in Sevenoaks School, The Space is an exceptional
performing arts centre, designed by Tim Ronalds
Architects. In addition to incorporating The
Sackville Theatre, it provides excellent teaching,
practice and performance spaces, including an
excellent concert hall, recording studio, and a
new drama studio. For audiences and
theatregoers alike, four unique performance
spaces play host to a wide range of professional
and amateur productions and entertainment.
Sevenoaks High Street – If you fancy some
retail therapy, head to Sevenoaks’ unique
abundance of eclectic shops and independently
run boutiques. Interspersed between the lanes,
you will find everything from inimitable jewellers
and antiques, to fresh produce and unique
handmade crafts.
Sevenoaks Literary Celebration – First
established in 2002, the Sevenoaks Literary
Celebration was initially a small literary festival in
Sevenoaks, set up by a group of booklovers.
Now, 12 years on, and with a winning formula
under their belt, this event has grown into an
annual two-week celebration of local and national
literary greats. As a result, Sevenoaks has
cemented its place on the literary circuit, and
remains a prime destination for authors and
audiences alike. Taking place in a number of
locations across Sevenoaks, the September
festival incorporates talks, competitions, book
clubs and more, for all ages.
www.sevenoaksliterarycelebration.com
Sevenoaks Three Arts Festival – The brainchild
of June Clements, a long-standing member of
the festival's executive committee, the Sevenoaks
Three Arts Festival has cast the Sevenoaks Young
Musician of the Year competition since 1995.
Having since grown in stature, the festival now
resides annually in the Stag Theatre, with a panel
of superb adjudicators appointed to pick a winner.
Prizes include the Sevenoaks Town Council Prize
of £500, plus the chance to play a concerto with
the Lydian Orchestra; the Sevenoaks School
Prize of £250; and the Reid-Sohn Prize of £100.
Following Junes death in 1996, the Sevenoaks
District Arts Council also presents the winner
with a silver June Clements Memorial Medal.
2014 dates are 14th-15th and 21st-22nd June.
The winner's concert and presentation of awards
will take place on 28th June.
www.sevenoaksthreeartsfestival.co.uk
top spot
Nonna Cappuccini's – A favourite amongst the
locals, this delicatessen serves up great coffee
and homemade Italian food that is just perfect
for a lunchtime pit stop.
Rafferty's Café & Deli – Passionate about
producing exceptional dishes and creating
unforgettable dining experiences, Rafferty’s serves
up simple, fresh dishes in their original Sevenoaks
café and deli.
key events
Sevenoaks Summer Festival – Now in its 44th
year, the annual Sevenoaks Summer Festival will
make a welcome return this year to celebrate
and showcase the breadth and diversity of
Sevenoaks’ arts activities. From 22nd June – 7th
July, the two-week festival will weave its way
through numerous venues in town, in a bid to
continue a tradition started by Sevenoaks School
in 1970. The Stag Community Arts Centre will
be a central focus, with a packed programme of
events, including poem recitals, comedies, live
music, celebratory concerts and more. For a full
list of 2014 venues and events, visit
www.sevenoaksfestival.org.uk.
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Knole Park
One of Britain's most impressive stately homes,
the enchanting Knole Park and House boasts
historic roots that date back as far as the 15th
century. Now owned by the National Trust, this
1000-acre medieval Y\